Three teens die after principal's hypnosis

Two students at a Florida high school committed suicide and a third died in a car accident soon after being hypnotised by their principal.

Sixteen-year-old Wesley McKinley died in April of a deliberate drug overdose the day after he was hypnotised by George Kenney, leading the popular principal to be suspended, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

Dr Kenney also hypnotised Brittany Palumbo, 16, five months before she killed herself, and Marcus Freeman, 16, six days before his death in a car accident.

The principal had conducted the individual hypnosis sessions in his office despite three separate orders from the school district not to do so.

Dr Kenney hypnotised up to 75 people at the school, including students, teachers and parents, as a way to help them concentrate on studies and sports.

When questioned by investigators, Dr Kenney initially denied hypnotising Brittany and Marcus but later admitted to the sessions.

Police have not yet pressed charges against him.

A person convicted of practising therapeutic hypnosis without the supervision of a medical professional can be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).